Strap choice/replacement (possibly a stupid question)

[Mr Will]

Following on from the "Which watch for £50" thread, I've decided to get one of these:

SNK809:


I really like the looks of the nylon strap, but I've noticed that it is also available with a metal strap.

Now this might be a stupid thing to ask (I don't know much about watches) but is it worth ordering with the metal strap instead, and then buying and fitting a nylon strap, so that I have the proper metal strap or are suitable metal straps relatively easy to find should I ever want one?

[stevoknevo]

I'd buy it on the bracelet and then stick it on one of these NATO's http://www.watchworx.co.uk/pages/lwb/NatoG10.htm I've got a grey one and the quality is excellent for a tenner.

[Mattt]

That strap looks more like a Rhino though.

Generally, it's best to buy on bracelet, then buy another strap later - cheaper.

[Engineer1]

Not a watch expert but i'd order with the metal strap as it is likely to suit the design and have the right flexibility etc, then get a real NATO strap to put the watch on.

[Stuart]

Mr Will said:

Now this might be a stupid thing to ask (I don't know much about watches) but is it worth ordering with the metal strap instead, and then buying and fitting a nylon strap, so that I have the proper metal strap or are suitable metal straps relatively easy to find should I ever want one?

You've pretty much answered your question I think Will. Buy it with the metal strap, particularly if the metal strap fills the gap between the lugs which you can see on the picture you posted. It probably will, and this will mean that it will be bespoke and hard to find elsewhere.

Then either buy a leather strap from www.watchworx.co.uk or a NATO strap from www.timefactors.com. The nylon strap that they've put that watch on is not really a proper NATO, and it'll look better for being on one IMHO.

[Vespula]

Will,

I have one of those in khaki, and excellent value they are, Seiko are one of the few watch manufacurers who actually make their own movement(along with the likes of Rolex) and all that is available for 50 of your English quids.

I think the nylon straps they come with are very good, they are thicker than NATOs, which are also very good.

I am a big fan of Seikos, however the bracelets at the budget end of their range are not vey good IMHO. They are what is called a 'folded' bracelet rather than a 'solid' bracelet. Seiko do do a solid bracelet but these are usually found on the more expensive Seiko watches.

I would stick with what you have or perhaps a NATO and/or a soft black leather if you fancied a change. Velcro sports straps also suit this watch I think.

[HarryW]

I have that exact watch as a daily wear, nothing pretentious and a bloody good watch

[magpie215]

I have one of these on the nylon strap. It is holding up very well so far
I am renown for destroying watches this one is wearing well so far and it has a very hard life.

[stevethegreek]

morning all, any suggestions as to the best place to buy one of these watches? google search returns lots of results so a pointer as to a genuine, reliable source would be appreciated.

thanks in advance,
stg.

[Mattt]

Creation

[stevethegreek]

thanks mattt, ordered

[Mr Will]

Mattt said:

Creation

I thought they wouldn't ship Seiko watches to Europe

[Vespula]

Here's mine, the glass has taken a real hammering due to working outdoors.

I have fitted a Fulco leather strap which I think suits it very well.

I also took a bit of Solvol to the case, makes it a bit less dull IMO, probably get slated for that but I lke it.

[magpie215]

Looks a lot different polished and on leather...but in a nice way :-)

Going to do the usual and stick mine on a nato when the original starts to look shabby.